Fostering cross-cultural mutual respect

Students from James Fallon High School, a public school in Albury in regional New South Wales, travelled approximately four hours to visit St Kilda Shule in Melbourne, with most making their first-ever visit to a synagogue.

The group represented the longest journey undertaken by any school group hosted by the shule, which welcomes approximately 500 visits each year from schools, community groups and interfaith organisations.

During the visit, the students explored Jewish history, tradition and contemporary Jewish life. They viewed the Torah scroll, learned about the structure and features of the synagogue, and asked thoughtful questions throughout the session. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with Jewish practice and identity in a warm and open environment.

One particularly moving moment involved two Jewish brothers from the school laying tefillin in front of their classmates. For one of the boys, it was his first time putting on tefillin.

“That moment was incredibly special,” said St Kilda Shule Senior Rabbi Yaakov Glasman. “It was educational for the wider group, but it was also deeply personal. Their classmates were able to witness a real expression of Jewish identity, not as something abstract, but as something lived, meaningful and heartfelt.”

Glasman said the visit was an example of how education, dialogue and cross-cultural understanding can build bridges and strengthen mutual respect.

“The fact that these students travelled such a significant distance to learn about Judaism was deeply moving. It reflected a genuine sense of curiosity, openness and respect.”

Following the shule visit, the students continued to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, further deepening their understanding of Jewish history and the Jewish experience.

“At a time when the Jewish community continues to face significant challenges, including antisemitism, the visit was a heartening reminder of the power of education and dialogue,” Glasman said.

“Despite the difficulties our community is facing, there are many people who genuinely want to learn, connect and support us, and that gives me great hope.”